Residents at Crandon Springs Care Home in Wells have been enjoying a refreshing mix of fruity treats and expert advice as part of a special hydration and nutrition initiative designed to help them stay healthy and well during the recent warm weather.

Led by Head Chef Simon Jackson, activities at the home have combined fun, education and plenty of delicious refreshments, with residents taking part in an interactive hydration and nutrition quiz while learning about the signs of dehydration and why drinking enough fluids becomes even more important as temperatures rise.

Residents sampled a range of freshly made smoothies bursting with mixed berries, melon, strawberries, bananas, mango and pineapple, while colourful fruit platters and fruit kebabs proved equally popular. Simon explained how water-rich fruits can play an important role in helping older people stay hydrated.

There was also the chance to try naturally flavoured waters infused with orange, cucumber and lemon, with residents discussing healthy alternatives to fizzy drinks and the benefits of drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

The event attracted a good turnout of residents from across the home, and generated plenty of positive feedback. Resident Joy happily enjoyed two glasses of smoothie alongside fruit kebabs, while Lisa and Wendy described the drinks as "amazing". Pat, who had been looking forward to the event, sampled all of the flavoured waters and tucked into fruit kebabs, melon and strawberries. Greta also joined the session, enjoying flavoured water and a bowl of mixed fruit including blueberries, strawberries, banana and apricots.

Crandon Springs Care Home's Head Chef, Simon, said: "Good nutrition and hydration are fundamental to our residents' health and wellbeing every day, but especially during periods of warmer weather. For older people, staying hydrated is particularly important as dehydration can increase the risk of falls, dizziness, confusion and illness. I really enjoyed spending time with residents and helping them understand how simple things like drinking enough water and eating plenty of fruit can make a real difference to their health. As a chef, I love seeing people enjoy what I've prepared, so it was also rewarding to see residents coming back for second helpings and talking about how much they enjoyed it!"